The University of Liverpool is proud to rank consistently among the top institutions for academic excellence. Our recent gold rating in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings affirms our commitment to higher education learning online. In this blog post, we look in more detail at how the rankings are measured.
What are the Times Higher Education’s Online Learning Rankings?
In recent years, many universities have adopted an additional online offering in response to a growing need for flexibility and adaptability. With this in mind, the Times Higher Education (THE) has announced a dedicated league table to reflect global online learning rankings, with three categories: gold, silver, and bronze. The aim is to provide better insight into the teaching excellence offered by online universities as the higher education landscape continues to evolve.
How do the Times Higher Education’s Online Learning Rankings work?
Each university undergoes a rigorous assessment process based on four pillars. The four pillars comprise of:
- Resource: the level of resources dedicated to online learning
- Engagement: the level of student engagement in online learning
- Outcomes: the outcomes for students participating in online learning
- Environment: the environment in which the online learning takes place
These four pillars are further broken down into a total of 17 metrics. To understand more about each metric, visit the THE website.
Gold-standard teaching and learning
The University of Liverpool climbed eight places to 160th in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, which mirrors the University’s improvement across both international and domestic rankings this year.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice Chancellor, University of Liverpool said, “This is a fantastic result for the University as we enter our 25th anniversary year of Liverpool Online.”
Pioneers in online learning since 2000
Our 100% online and part-time programmes provide an international education on-demand and give you the prestigious University of Liverpool Experience from anywhere in the world. You will benefit from the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which is embedded in all online programmes in the same way that our on-campus programmes are delivered.
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) uses cutting-edge technology to facilitate and support your studies. The platform contains a comprehensive library of ebooks and journals, as well as interactive study materials and discussion forums to engage with peers across the globe. You will have access to a range of career resources to support you with your career development throughout your study journey.
We have also made sure that our support services are there to enhance and sustain your journey, from study skills to wellbeing and much more. The University is a member of the elite Russell Group of research-led UK universities and is ranked in the top 200 universities across the world. Gaining an online degree from the original redbrick university is guaranteed to help you stand out in a crowded graduate market.
Why study online with the University of Liverpool?
- Accelerate your future career opportunities and connect with employers
- Gain a respected qualification from an elite Russell Group university
- We boast over 20,000 graduates since 2000 across all online programmes
- Access our state-of-the-art comprehensive learning platform 24/7
- Become part of our prestigious alumni network across 187 countries
Take the next steps in your career with the University of Liverpool.
To find out more about the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings, head to the THE website. Alternatively, contact our friendly Admissions Team to find out how the University of Liverpool can help you achieve your ambitions.